As the years pile on each other, the change in environment, politics and the ‘evolution’ in the ‘social stratosphere’ across the globe, one can safely conclude that the earth is positioning itself for something extraordinary to happen. Environmentalists on one hand, argue that the earth needs saving as its resources are depleting and its protective shield failing. It is clear that the earth is moving towards a certain end. It is as if the earth is in labor and about to give birth! As children of God, as we see these signs happening around us, instead of being afraid or delving further into sin by joining the confused fray, we ought to take a step back and assess our stand as it affects where we would spend eternity. Beloved, eternity is certain! This world is winding down, and the decision of where we would spend eternity is made in the land of the living. Thus, the prayers and wishes for the dead do not change the eternal destination the dead person chose while alive! For the living, the realities of this world are increasingly making it difficult to be a true child of God. As we go through myriads of challenges on a daily basis, many take decisions that negate the Word of God, with the excuse that it makes them be at peace with themselves. However, we are encouraged to endure and stand our ground in the face of these difficulties, assured that they are momentary and will pass away: “Therefore we do not give up; even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory” (2Corinthians 4:16-17). The truth is we do not have the strength to fight for ourselves, only Jesus Christ can fight for us. That is why He is referred to as our Strength.
The Church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) had similar troubles. If they had not submitted totally to God, they would have been swallowed up by their troubles. In spite of all they were going through, they kept the Word of God and did not deny His name. For that reason, the Lord said: “…Look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close…Because you have kept My command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth“ (Revelation 3:8b, 10). Beloved, no matter what the enemy throws at you, purpose in your mind to stand your ground so you don’t become a Sardinian Christian that has a reputation of being alive to the things of God, when in reality, such person is dead; or a Laodicean Christian that is neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm towards the things of God! Beloved, it is not about your position or title in the church, but about your stand with Him when no one is watching! Remain steadfast, and He that called you will never leave you but will come through for you: “So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36). Beloved, this New Year, an Open Door has been opened for you by the Lord. Release yourself to Him, so He can guide and lead you to and through it, in Jesus Christ name, Amen. God bless you! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
